Jay Johnston, Former Voice of Jimmy Pesto, Sentenced to Prison

Johnston Sentenced to 18 Months in Federal Prison

Jay Johnston, the former voice actor for Jimmy Pesto on the animated sitcom "Bob's Burgers," was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison on Thursday for receiving and distributing child pornography. Johnston pleaded guilty to the charges in October 2022.

Johnston's Arrest and Charges

Johnston was arrested in December 2021 after an investigation by the FBI. According to court documents, Johnston received and distributed child pornography over the internet. He was charged with one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of distribution of child pornography.

Johnston's Guilty Plea and Sentencing

Johnston pleaded guilty to both charges in October 2022. He faced a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, but prosecutors recommended a sentence of 18 months due to his cooperation with the investigation and his lack of a prior criminal record.

Johnston's Statement

In a statement to the court, Johnston apologized for his actions and said he was "deeply sorry" for the pain he had caused. He said he had been struggling with mental health issues at the time of the offenses and that he had since sought treatment.

Impact on "Bob's Burgers"

Johnston's departure from "Bob's Burgers" has led to a recasting of the character of Jimmy Pesto. The character is now voiced by Mike Henry, who also voices Cleveland Brown on the animated sitcom "Family Guy."

Conclusion

Jay Johnston's sentencing is a reminder of the serious consequences of child pornography offenses. It is also a reminder that even those who have achieved success in the entertainment industry are not immune to the law.